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The Australian bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, action is primarily happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, other states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are less and less content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.